battery GMC SIERRA 1500 2012 Owner's Manual

Black plate (9,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
Lighting 6-9
Lighting Features
Entry Lighting
The vehicle has an illuminated entry
feature.
When the doors are opened, the
dome lamps will come on if the
dome override button is in the
extended position. If the dome
override button is pressed in, the
lamps will not come on.
Exit Lighting
The interior lamps come on when
the key is removed from the ignition.
They turn off automatically in
20 seconds. The lights do not come
on if the dome override button is
pressed in.
Battery Load
Management
The vehicle has Electric Power
Management (EPM) that estimates
the battery's temperature and state
of charge. It then adjusts the voltage
for best performance and extended
life of the battery.
When the battery's state of charge
is low, the voltage is raised slightly
to quickly bring the charge back up.
When the state of charge is high,
the voltage is lowered slightly to
prevent overcharging. If the vehicle
has a voltmeter gauge or a voltage
display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you may see the
voltage move up or down. This is
normal. If there is a problem, an
alert will be displayed.The battery can be discharged at
idle if the electrical loads are very
high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator
(alternator) may not be spinning fast
enough at idle to produce all of
the power needed for very high
electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when
several of the following are on, such
as: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger,
climate control fan at high speed,
heated seats, engine cooling fans,
trailer loads, and loads plugged into
accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive
discharge of the battery. It does this
by balancing the generator's output
and the vehicle's electrical needs.
It can increase engine idle speed to
generate more power whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce
the power demands of some
accessories.

Black plate (10,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
6-10 Lighting
Normally, these actions occur in
steps or levels, without being
noticeable. In rare cases at the
highest levels of corrective action,
this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a DIC message might
be displayed, such as BATTERY
SAVER ACTIVE, BATTERY
VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW BATTERY.
If one of these messages displays, it
is recommended that the driver
reduce the electrical loads as much
as possible. SeeDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑30.Battery Power Protection
This feature shuts off the dome and
reading lamps, if they are left on for
more than 10 minutes after the
ignition is turned off. The cargo
lamp shuts off after 20 minutes.
This prevents the battery from
running down.

Black plate (14,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
7-14 Infotainment System
Unknown:If this message is
received when tuned to channel 0,
there could be a receiver fault.
Consult with your dealer.
Check Antenna: If this message
does not clear within a short period
of time, the receiver or antenna
could have a fault. Consult with your
dealer.
Check XM Receivr: If this
message does not clear within a
short period of time, the receiver
could have a fault. Consult with your
dealer.
XM Not Available: If this message
does not clear within a short period
of time, the receiver could have a
fault. Consult with your dealer.
Radio Reception
Frequency interference and static
can occur during normal radio
reception if items such as cell phone
chargers, vehicle convenience
accessories, and external electronic
devices are plugged into the
accessory power outlet. If there is interference or static, unplug the
item from the accessory power
outlet.
AM
The range for most AM stations is
greater than for FM, especially at
night. The longer range can cause
station frequencies to interfere
with each other. For better radio
reception, most AM radio stations
boost the power levels during the
day, and then reduce these levels
during the night. Static can also
occur when things like storms and
power lines interfere with radio
reception. When this happens, try
reducing the treble on the radio.
FM Stereo
FM signals only reach about
16 to 65 km (10 to 40 mi). Although
the radio has a built-in electronic
circuit that automatically works to
reduce interference, some static
can occur, especially around tall
buildings or hills, causing the sound
to fade in and out.
XM™
Satellite Radio Service
XM Satellite Radio Service gives
digital radio reception from coast to
coast in the 48 contiguous United
States, and in Canada. Just as
with FM, tall buildings or hills can
interfere with satellite radio signals,
causing the sound to fade in and
out. In addition, traveling or standing
under heavy foliage, bridges,
garages, or tunnels may cause loss
of the XM signal for a period of time.
Cellular Phone Usage
Cellular phone usage may cause
interference with the vehicle's radio.
This interference may occur when
making or receiving phone calls,
charging the phone's battery,
or simply having the phone on. This
interference causes an increased
level of static while listening to the
radio. If static is received while
listening to the radio, unplug the
cellular phone and turn it off.

Black plate (32,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
7-32 Infotainment System
Player Error:This message
displays if there are disc load or
disc eject problems.
.It is very hot. When the
temperature returns to normal,
the disc should play.
.The road is very rough. When
the road becomes smoother, the
disc should play.
.The disc is dirty, scratched, wet,
or upside down.
.The air is very humid. If so, wait
about an hour and try again.
.There was a problem while
burning the disc.
.The label is caught in the CD/
DVD player.
If the disc is not playing correctly, for
any other reason, try a known
good disc.
If any error occurs repeatedly or if
an error cannot be corrected,
contact your dealer. If the radio displays an error message, write it
down and provide it to your dealer
when reporting the problem.
Auxiliary Devices
Using the Auxiliary Input Jack
Radios with an auxiliary input jack
located on the lower right side of the
faceplate can connect to an external
audio device such as an iPod
®,
MP3 player, or CD player, for use as
another source for audio listening.
This input jack is not an audio
output; do not plug headphones into
the front auxiliary input jack.
Drivers are encouraged to set up
any auxiliary device while the
vehicle is in P (Park). See
Defensive Driving on page 9‑3 for
more information on driver
distraction.
To use a portable audio player,
connect a 3.5 mm (1/8 in) cable to
the radio's front auxiliary input jack.
When a device is connected, press the radio CD/AUX button to begin
playing audio from the device over
the vehicle speakers.
For optimal sound quality, increase
the portable audio device's volume
to the loudest level.
It is always best to power the
portable audio device through its
own battery while playing.O(Power/Volume):
Turn clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase
or decrease the volume of the
portable player. Additional volume
adjustments might have to be made
from the portable device if the
volume is not loud or soft enough.
BAND: Press to listen to the radio
when a portable audio device is
playing. The portable audio device
continues playing.
CD/AUX (CD/Auxiliary): Press to
play a CD when a portable audio
device is playing. Press again and
the system begins playing audio
from the connected portable audio

Black plate (34,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
7-34 Infotainment System
.Folder and file names up to
64 bytes
.Files with an .mp3 or .wma file
extension
.AAC files stored on an iPod
.FAT16
.FAT32
Connecting a USB Storage
Device or iPod®
The USB port can be used to
control an iPod or a USB storage
device.
To connect a USB storage device,
connect the device to the USB port
located in the center console or on
the instrument panel.
To connect an iPod, connect one
end of the USB cable that came
with the iPod to the iPod’s dock
connector and connect the other
end to the USB port located in the
center console or on the instrument
panel. If the vehicle is on and the
USB connection works,“OK to
disconnect” and a GM logo may appear on the iPod, and iPod
appears on the radio display. The
iPod music appears on the radio’s
display and begins playing.
The iPod charges while it is
connected to the vehicle if the
vehicle is in the ACC/ACCESSORY
or ON/RUN position. When the
vehicle is turned off, the iPod
automatically powers off and will
not charge or draw power from the
vehicle's battery.
If you have an older iPod model that
is not supported, it can still be used
by connecting it to the auxiliary
input jack using a standard 3.5 mm
(1/8 in) stereo cable. See
“Using the
Auxiliary Input Jack” earlier for more
information.
Using the Radio to Control a
USB Storage Device or iPod
The radio can control a USB
storage device or an iPod using
the radio buttons and knobs, and
display song information on the
radio’s display.
f(Tune): Turn to select files.
©SEEK:Press to go to the start of
the track, if more than 10 seconds
have played. Press and hold or
press multiple times to continue
moving backward through tracks.
¨SEEK: Press to go to the next
track. Press and hold or press
multiple times to continue moving
forward through tracks.
sREV (Reverse): Press and hold
to reverse playback quickly. Sound
is heard at a reduced volume.
Release
sREV to resume playing.
The elapsed time of the file
displays.
\FWD (Fast Forward): Press
and hold to advance playback
quickly. Sound is heard at a reduced
volume. Release
\FWD to
resume playing. The elapsed time of
the file displays.
4(Information): Press to display
additional information about the
selected track.

Black plate (38,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
7-38 Infotainment System
Headphones
A. Battery cover
B. Channel 1 or 2 switch
C. Power button
D. Volume control
E. Power indicator light
The RSE includes two 2-channel
wireless headphones that are
dedicated to this system. Channel 1
is dedicated to the video screen,
while Channel 2 is dedicated to
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) selections.
These headphones can be used tolisten to the radio, CDs, DVDs,
MP3s, DVD-As, or any auxiliary
source connected to A/V jacks or
the auxiliary input jack, if the vehicle
has this feature. The wireless
headphones have a power button,
channel 1 or 2 switch, and a volume
control.
Push the power button to turn on
the headphones. An indicator light
located on the headphones comes
on. If the light comes on, but there
is intermittent sound and/or static on
the headphones, or if the indicator
light does not come on, the batteries
might need to be replaced. See
“Battery Replacement”
later in this
section for more information. Switch
the headphones to Off when not
in use.
Infrared transmitters are located
at the rear of the overhead
console. The headphones shut off
automatically to save the battery
power if the RSE system and RSA
are shut off, or if the headphones
are out of range of the transmitters
for more than three minutes. If you move too far forward or step out of
the vehicle, the headphones lose
the audio signal.
To adjust the volume on the
headphones, use the volume control
located on the right side.
For optimal audio performance, the
headphones must be worn correctly.
Headphones should be worn with
the headband over the top of the
head for best audio reception. The
symbol L (Left) appears on the
outside bottom edge of the ear cup
and should be positioned on the left
ear. The symbol R (Right) appears
on the outside bottom edge of the
ear cup and should be positioned on
the right ear.
Notice:
Do not store the
headphones in heat or direct
sunlight. This could damage the
headphones and repairs will not
be covered by the warranty.
Storage in extreme cold can
weaken the batteries. Keep the
headphones stored in a cool, dry
place.

Black plate (39,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
Infotainment System 7-39
If the foam ear pads attached to
the headphones become worn or
damaged, the pads can be replaced
separately from the headphone set.
To purchase replacement ear pads,
call 1-888-293-3332, then prompt
zero (0), or contact your dealer.
Battery Replacement
To change the batteries on the
headphones:
1. Turn the screw to loosen thebattery door located on the left
side of the headphones. Slide
the battery door open.
2. Replace the two batteries in the compartment. Make sure that
they are installed correctly, using
the diagram on the inside of the
battery compartment.
3. Replace the battery door and tighten the door screw.
If the headphones are to be stored
for a long period of time, remove the
batteries and keep them in a cool,
dry place.Audio/Video (A/V) Jacks
Yellow: Video Input
White: Left Audio Input
Red: Right Audio Input
The A/V jacks are color coded to
match typical home entertainment
system equipment.
The A/V jacks, located on the rear
of the floor console, allow audio or
video signals to be connected from
an auxiliary device such as a
camcorder or a video game unit to the RSE system. Adapter
connectors or cables (not included)
may be required to connect the
auxiliary device to the A/V jacks.
Refer to the manufacturer
’s
instructions for proper usage.
Power for auxiliary devices is not
supplied by the radio system.
To use the auxiliary inputs of the
RSE system, connect an external
auxiliary device to the color-coded
A/V jacks and turn both the auxiliary
device and the video screen power
on. If the video screen is in the DVD
player mode, pressing the AUX
(auxiliary) button on the remote
control switches the video screen
from the DVD player mode to the
auxiliary device. The audio of the
connected source can be listened to
over the speakers by sourcing the
radio to the auxiliary device or by
sourcing the RSA to the Rear Aux
and listening with the wireless
headphones on Channel 2 or
with the wired headphones.

Black plate (41,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
Infotainment System 7-41
If a DVD is playing and the screen
is raised to its locked position, the
screen remains on. This is normal,
and the DVD continues to play
through the previous audio source.
Use the remote control power button
or eject the disc to turn off the
screen.
The overhead console contains the
infrared transmitters for the wireless
headphones and the infrared
receivers for the remote control.
They are located at the rear of the
console.
Notice:Avoid directly touching
the video screen, as damage may
occur. See “Cleaning the Video
Screens” later in this section for
more information.Remote Control
To use the remote control, aim it at
the transmitter window at the rear
of the RSE overhead console and
press the desired button. Direct
sunlight or very bright light could
affect the ability of the RSE
transmitter to receive signals from
the remote control. If the remote
control does not seem to be
working, the batteries might need
to be replaced. See “Battery
Replacement” later in this section. Objects blocking the line of sight
could also affect the function of the
remote control.
If a CD or DVD is in the Radio DVD
slot, the remote control
O(power)
button can be used to turn on the
video screen display and start the
disc. The radio can also turn on the
video screen display. See Operation
on page 7‑3 for more information.
Notice: Storing the remote
control in a hot area or in direct
sunlight can damage it, and the
repairs will not be covered by the
warranty. Storage in extreme cold
can weaken the batteries. Keep
the remote control stored in a
cool, dry place.
If the remote control becomes lost
or damaged, a new universal
remote control can be purchased.
If this happens, make sure the
universal remote control uses a
code set of Toshiba®.

Black plate (43,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
Infotainment System 7-43
r(Fast Reverse):Press this
button to quickly reverse the DVD or
CD. To stop fast reversing a DVD
video, press the play/pause button.
To stop fast reversing a DVD audio
or CD, release the fast reverse
button. This button might not work
when the DVD is playing the
copyright information or the
previews.
[(Fast Forward): Press this
button to fast forward the DVD or
CD. To stop fast forwarding a DVD
video, press the play/pause button.
To stop fast forwarding a DVD audio
or CD, release the fast forward
button. This button might not work
while the DVD is playing the
copyright information or the
previews.
e(Audio): Press this button to
change audio tracks on DVDs that
have this feature when the DVD is
playing. The format and content of
this function vary for each disc.
{(Subtitles): Press this button to
turn on or off subtitles and to move
through subtitle options when a
DVD is playing. The format and
content of this function vary for
each disc.
AUX (Auxiliary): Press this button
to switch the system between the
DVD player and an auxiliary source.
2(Camera): Press this button to
change camera angles on DVDs
that have this feature while a DVD is
playing. The format and content of
this function vary for each disc.
1 through 0 (Numeric Keypad):
The numeric keypad provides the
capability of direct chapter or track
number selection.
\(Clear): Press this button within
three seconds after entering a
numeric selection, to clear all
numerical inputs.
}10 (Double Digit Entries): Press
this button to select chapter or track
numbers greater than nine. Press
this button before entering the
number.
Battery Replacement
To change the remote control
batteries, do the following:
1. Slide the rear cover back on the remote control.
2. Replace the two batteries in the compartment. Make sure they
are installed correctly using the
diagram on the inside of the
remote control.
3. Replace the battery cover.
If the remote control is to be stored
for a long period of time, remove the
batteries and keep them in a cool,
dry place.

Black plate (15,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
Driving and Operating 9-15
If it takes some time for help to
arrive, now and then when you run
the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs
faster than the idle speed. This
keeps the battery charged to restart
the vehicle and to signal for help
with the headlamps. Do this as little
as possible to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
See“Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It
Out” later in this section.
If the vehicle has a traction system,
it can often help to free a stuck
vehicle. Refer to the vehicle's
traction system in the Index. If stuck
too severely for the traction system
to free the vehicle, turn the traction
system off and use the rocking
method.
{WARNING
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you
or others could be injured. The
vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment fire or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little
as possible and avoid going
above 56 km/h (35 mph).
For information about using tire
chains on the vehicle, see Tire
Chains on page 10‑74.
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get
It Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. For four-wheel-drive
vehicles, shift into Four‐Wheel High. For vehicles with StabiliTrak
®, turn
the traction control part of the
system off. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a forward
gear, spinning the wheels as little as
possible. To prevent transmission
wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while
shifting, and press lightly on the
accelerator pedal when the
transmission is in gear. Slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward
and reverse directions causes a
rocking motion that could free the
vehicle. If that does not get the
vehicle out after a few tries, it might
need to be towed out. Recovery
hooks can be used, if the vehicle
has them. If the vehicle does need
to be towed out, see Towing the
Vehicle on page 10‑93.